I'm finally back with an update for this story based on a request suggestion from Swipern0swiping

I hope you like the new update and please leave in the reviews if you have any more ideas. I apologize for not updating this story in so long, honestly life has been hectic for me this past year. But I'm finally back to writing again

Ranma hummed happily to herself, skipping along down the street the impatience of awaiting sugary goodness fueling her to walk onwards. She had had a love of food and sweets ever since she was a child, however, Genma being stingy and hypocritical kept all of the goods for himself while Ranma had to fend for herself. She had been tolerating her fathers crap ever since she was a young child, her father using excuses, manipulation and blackmail to get what he wanted shamelessly. For all she was grateful for his attempts to provide for her, he was a terrible parent. The reason she had become cursed, the reason she never saw her mother again, the reason why she had a phobia of cats, and an endless barrage of admirers. Most of her problems in life were due to her father's antics and lack of taking responsibility.

But there were brief times she could let her hair loose and just enjoy the moment, making happier memories to ignore the negative things in her life. Having company to share her good mood with made it even better. Being able to share her good humour with someone close to her. She and Ryoga had been training all afternoon, focusing on their skills and improving their abilities. Despite being rivals, they did respect each other's abilities as martial artists and were always willing to train together to learn from their mistakes. Ryoga called Ranma sneaky, which sadly she may have inherited from her father but she wasn't nearly as selfish. Easing Ryoga out of his comfort zone to live in the moment and sporadically make plans, that sometimes you had to make your own fun. Ryoga was so intent on routine, honour and focus that he rarely ever made time for himself. Ryoga was easy to convince and Ranma loved to have fun, given how crazy her life was, having fun like this was a relief.

Ryoga peered at Ranma with a look of confusion and suspicion, while Ranma complained at the problems that came with his curse, he got the feeling that Ranma got a kick out of it. She had no issue with using her sexuality to her advantage, blackmailing others or getting freebies by pretending to be a cute girl. At times he admired how devoted Ranma was to her training, using every ability to her advantage. But frustrated by how Ranma often used dirty methods to win. "Kami, are sweets the only thing you care about Ranma?" Ryoga huffed.

Ranma huffed, Ryoga was so serious sometimes she could wring him out like a wet towel. He needed to learn to have fun and stop focusing solely on his fighting. He was hot tempered and took everything personally, this guy had no chill and he needed to learn to act like a teenager. She knew Ryoga had his own issues, but at least she coped with her baggage better than he was. Why was he always so sulky? What crawled up his butt and died? "I spend my time tolerating my dad's schemes, a stalker and an obsessive amazon. I appreciate the simple things" she berated. She'd spent her life on the road, no thanks to Genma's antics. He dragged her away from her mother at a young age, pulled her into his antics, forced him to go along with his schemes and rarely took responsibility. Kodachi was still trying to kill her female form, while harassing her male form for marriage and attention despite neither wanting to have anything to do with her. Shampoo was a loyal ally but using dirty methods to earn Ranma's love and throwing herself at Ranma constantly. However, became agitated and manipulative when Ranma rejected her or showed no interest in marriage. The only two women Ranma could ever trust was Ukyo and Akane, two people who always had his best interests at heart. Even if their methods of showing affection were varied and awkward.

Ryoga would argue, but he did understand Ranma's frustration even if he disliked his methods. He later learned of Ranma's mother and how they were separated when Ranma was a child, of how lonely that would make Ranma. The lack of a positive role model in Ranma's life and the lack of maternal affection would leave Ranma jaded. Ranma had never known a true home due to being ripped from his family home as a toddler, he had never been able to make permanent friends due to Genma dragging him around for training or escaping people he pissed off. He had never known a family or affection due to Genma's lack of positive parental nature and raising Ranma to be a man. As much as he hated Ranma, even he could admit he had a rough life. He clung to Akane due to her being the first woman to truly accept and love him positively. Kasumi acted like a mother towards him, venting his need for a mother onto her. Ukyo was the only positive childhood memory he had ever known, and the friends he made were the only people to look out for him. Yes, Ranma was flawed and sometimes a jerk, but a lot of this was due to Genma's influence. "Just don't order too much, I ain't made of money" he groaned.

Ranma smiled, she understood Ryoga's anxiety but she made sure to get enough for them both "Don't worry, I stole a little money off pops, he'd just spend it all on beer anyway" she winked. Genma loved to eat the Tendou's out of house and home, drink himself stupid and slack off. She was finally putting his money to good use that wasn't being used on himself. She was prepared for Genma to get mad and rant excuses at her, but she had no regrets for her actions. Call it payback on Genma for all the crap he had dumped on her.

Ryoga stared, amazed at how sneaky Ranma was. However, he felt angry and sympathetic at how Genma spent all the money provided to him on himself and not sharing it with his child. Though he rarely asked, sometimes he wondered just how much trauma, resentment and baggage Ranma carried on her shoulders that she hid from other people. I mean she was 17, the same age as him, they were both still kids for crying out loud. Genma had dragged Ranma into his problems and forcing her into arranged marriages, failed schemes and promises that Ranma was often naive to. Hell, he caused Ranma such severe Ailurophobia that she often blacked out just to cope.

"Ranma…" he trailed off. He knew Ranma hid her vulnerabilities due to Genma pressing it into her that acting anything less than a man was a weakness. Yes, he had his issues with Ranma but he knew all too well how insecurities and baggage could eat away at you. If she wanted to talk or vent he would always listen, it was an honourable thing to do. Even he had his own flaws, but he at least tried to move past them while Ranma could never seem to escape her own.

"HEYA BABY!" an elderly voice yelled. He had heard that Genma's wife was a cutie, but he never knew Genma's child had inherited Nodoka's good looks. It seems he had been lying when he told him he had a son. Because all he could see was a pretty redhead who was eager for attention. How dare his student keep such an important secret from him, he should be punished for his actions.

Before Ranma could speak, a blur shot by her to which she got into a fighting stance. Prepared to fight whatever enemy was launching a surprise attack. She had been taught to always be prepared for any attack, they could come out of nowhere. Anything goes martial arts was to prepare for any form of a fight and a varied opponent to battle. But she tried to consider just who would try such a sneaky attack while flirting at the same time, she had many admirers after all. Was Kuno trying something funny again? God, he never knew when to quit. First, he started harassing Akane for a date despite her showing no interest in her. Then he started hounding her for no reason aside from the fact that she was cute. The guy was either too dense to figure out he had been rejected a long time ago, or his ego refused to allow him to accept that both girls were disgusted by him. Sure, Kuno was attractive, but his personality was off putting and narcissistic. He acted like a rich lord who ruled over Nerima, rather than acting like a normal boy. The guy had probably been spoiled his whole life, his father was a poor excuse for a parent after all.

A small imp-like creature clung to her chest like a leech, nuzzling itself against her bosom with manic glee. Squeezing and groping her while making mutters under his breath incoherently which she could only assume were pervy comments he hoped to hide from her. This letch was getting off on her embarrassment and humiliation in public, had he no shame? This guy could put Kuno to shame, he felt pity on any woman who had been so unfortunate as to meet this guy in public before. Ranma glared in disgust, smacking the creature away and sending it flying to the ground. Rage filling her like a wildfire. Happy to beat this creep within an inch of his life for even trying something funny with her. She was sick and tired of guys taking one look at her and assuming she was easy, why did she always attract the creepy guys?

Ryoga got into a fighting stance, a furious glare appearing on his face. He may not have been the best at speaking to girls or dealing with being flirted with. He'd lived a nomadic lifestyle until now, wandering around living on the road and relying on himself. Human contact and affection was not something he was adapted to. Girls didn't really pay him much attention, so when they thought him attractive he became flustered. But he still understood common decency and respect, understanding on respecting boundaries and reading body language. He respected women and always fought fairly. Whoever this attack was he was fighting dirty, assaulting an unguarded woman. Ranma was pale as a ghost, shaking like a leaf and looked as though she was about to burst into tears. It must have been so conflicting for her, to truly be a male on the inside yet be molested as a woman. Feeling ashamed, violated and embarrassed "Show yourself, coward! How dare you lay your hands on a woman!" he yelled.

The small creature lifted itself from the ground, whimpering childish sobs from its lips. It was crying? Like a sulking child throwing a tantrum when they were scolded by their parents for behaving badly. An old man acting like a toddler, this was a new experience for him. As it turned to face them, they saw the creature was a shrivelled old man wearing purple ninja garb. His eyes filled with tears, his face warping into a childish pout "How… how could you hit me Ranma? After I came all this way to see you" he sobbed.

Ranma flinched, she should have known this creep would be involved with her father somehow. She had no idea her father was involved with such a disgusting letch. She would be sure to beat his ass for this afterwards "Who the hell are you and how do you know my name? Did Kuno send you?" she growled. She wouldn't be surprised if someone so pervy worked for Kuno, it would be the only reason he would hire someone like this. Kuno was ignorant to his own shameful treatment of women. She had only wanted to get some ice cream, why did weird stuff like this always happen to her?

A look of hurt and anger flickered across the elderly man's face, he knew all about Ranma so why was she acting like a stranger around him? "Did Genma not tell me about you? I've known about you for years" he ranted. He'd done plenty of research into his students lives after they imprisoned him, whom they married, their children and what lives they were leading. How dare they attempt to abandon him after he had worked so hard as to make them stronger martial artists. Was it so wrong that he wanted to be involved in their lives and appreciate their personal growth?

Ranma shivered, her dad had told this freak about her? She swore Genma was a dead man when this was all over. Her father had his own colourful past of sins and lies but this took the cake. No wonder he never told her about someone like this being involved in his life. This had to be the lowest stoop that Genma had ever reached. She demanded answers and she would happily crack this guys skull for answers if need be "What have you got to do with pops?" she snapped.

The old man sighed, pulling an old black and white photo from his person. Holding it out to Ranma with his small wrinkled fingers. It seems among many secrets in his life Genma had hidden him the most from Ranma. Probably boasting about his lessons as a martial artist but never explaining where he learned these skills and who passed them on. Genma had a lot to answer for, taking credit for martial arts that was passed down to him by his teacher. He had hoped Genma would have learned more respect.

Ryoga approached, snatching the picture from the old man before he could try something else when Ranma approached. He didn't trust this guy within an inch of his life, something about the guy made his stomach knot with discomfort, like prey instinctively sensing danger. He didn't even want to consider how Genma knew this creep but he would be watching out for Ranma a lot more in the future. His gaze flicked across the photo, his eyes widening. There in the photo, was a younger-looking Genma with hair, next to a very pretty woman, far too good for someone like Genma.

He had no idea of how Genma was able to meet someone like Ranma's mother, how she settled for marrying him let alone birthing his child. If she had any common sense she would have divorced him and moved on with her life. The woman was holding something in her arms, a small baby Ranma in the woman's grasp, albeit in Ranma's true gender, not his cursed form. It was clear from the photo that Ranma developed his appearance from his mother than Genma. However, this still left questions as to why now of all times this creep had hunted down Genma's child "So, Genma sent you after her? Why do you have this?" Ryoga demanded.

The old man frowned, this was becoming more frustrating by the second, he hated explaining unnecessary things "Genma didn't tell you about me? I'm his master, I trained the oaf. I came here to introduce myself to Ranma". He had hoped to pass on his skills to Genma's kin given the oaf was useless and easily beaten, he could gain a new student with far more promise. It was so saddening to know in his old age he had nobody promising to follow on after with anything goes.

"You call groping me a welcome gesture!" Ranma hissed. Most people would send a letter, knock on a front door, call from afar or approach someone. Normal people would have been polite and asked questions, this guy obviously knew who she was and launched a surprise attack. He fought dirty and used underhanded means to win a fight. Yes, she had used trickster moves but only when she had no option, not constantly as the upper hand. This guy only attacked her for his own pleasure, nothing more.

"I was just saying hello!" Happosai whined childishly. Why was she being so mean to him? He had hoped this would be a touching introduction, allowing him to finally learn of all that had happened since being locked away in that cave so long ago. But she was insulting him, attacking him and throwing accusations his way instead. They said the younger generation had no manners for the elderly and she was proving that indefinitely.

Ryoga watched Happosai intently, his brown eyes roaming the smaller male in silence. Despite his impish stature, he could sense the energy flowing from this guy. He may not have appeared so, but he was frighteningly powerful. This guy could cut them down as though they were blades of grass simply by flicking his fingers, but he chose not to, having a gut feeling as to why. This creep really was disgraceful, how dare he call himself a martial arts master. He was holding back on his abilities as a martial artist, distracted by the soft flesh of a pretty girl. He probably used his skills to harass and attack women more than he did towards genuine enemies. He didn't trust Genma in the least and for him to be involved with a pervert like this, only deepened his dislike of the man.

He slowly stepped in front of Ranma, blocking her from Happosai's view and making sure she was out of harm's way. If this guy had any other interests in her, he would have to confront him on the matter. They had been working hard all morning, pushing their minds and bodies to the limit to improve their skill, he wasn't messing around, he wasn't going to allow their day to be ruined. He knew how happy Ranma was to have this time to herself to get away from Genma's watchful eye "If you have business with Ranma-chan or Genma, you can discuss that with me. I and Ranma have plans and I can guess a letch like you has less than an honourable interests in a young girl" he spat venomously. If this guy had history with Genma, he could locate him at the Tendou dojo and take up his issues with him personally instead of dragging Ranma into the mess. He could berate and argue with his former students in person rather than blaming his kid for his past actions. He was dishonourable and abused his abilities for selfish means. He should be ashamed of himself, he didn't deserve his title as a master in the least.

Ranma felt her cheeks flush, she was more than capable of handling herself but for Ryoga to defend her like this meant a lot. Rarely did she have anyone to stand up for her or protect her from danger, yes for all she was strong she was aware of weaknesses she carried in either form. Such as size, strength or skill, for as strong as she was even she was naive in some places. This old freak had centuries worth of knowledge compared to her own, he was playing dirty and Ryoga had called him out on it.

Happosai glared, he didn't know who this kid was. He was rough looking but he was powerful, why was he so close to his cute Ranma? He could see the gentle expression Ranma was giving him over his shoulder, how her body language was comfortable and trusting. The silent admiration they felt for one another. How could Ranma trust this boy more than him? He couldn't allow this "What's it to you big guy? Why are you interfering with my business with Ranma?".

"You should be ashamed, a creep like yourself attacking a teenage girl! You have no honour as a martial artist, it's no wonder that your student learned to act as despicably!" Ryoga taunted. His students had learned to fight dirty, to use sneak attacks and devious moves in order to win a fight rather than respecting your opponent. He was self serving, narcissistic, lying, cheating and manipulative. He had no respect for the status of martial arts and used it to bully others instead. His kin to follow after had only proven how incapable they were to act so childishly.

Ranma tried not to smile like an idiot, she was touched at Ryoga defending her, but that he was calling out this creep and her father at the same time. He'd love to see Ryoga put Genma and Soun in their place for acting like the useless parents that they were. Never admitting their mistakes and running away from their shameful pasts until they caught up with them. They could only hope to learn from their parents actions and become stronger as fighters and people. The creep tried to launch himself at Ryoga, Ranma pushing herself in the way and stomped on the old man's head. Crushing him into the ground and knocking him out. Of course he would try and hurt Ryoga to win a fight and mock him for trying to fight honourably. Like hell she was going to let Ryoga get involved in her old mans shady business. Maybe this would teach him a lesson for groping her and attempting to beat up Ryoga.

Ryoga was stunned at the audacity of this guy, trying to attack a girl then use dirty tricks to win. He would be sure to give Genma an earful for his pension for involving Ranma in his problems. Their plans would have more meaning once they finally reached the cafe, feeling as though they had earned them even more. He would be happy to take his time in returning to the Dojo after this, he was in no rush to be anywhere. He would rather not meet Akane and her family in such a bitter mood, he took a deep breath, turning to Ranma "Yo, so ice cream?" he suggested. No wonder Ranma was always annoyed, venting or frustrated, if this was all the crap she had to cope with how had she not gone mad? He was starting to understand Ranma's personality just a little better than he had before. Maybe he could lessen his harassment of Ranma just a little instead of throwing caution to the wind and accusing him all the time.

Ranma blinked in surprise, still stunned at what had happened "Uh.. sure.." she mumbled. She knew Ryoga was a capable fighter, but had he always been this cool? She knew he could be as hot-headed as her, but where had this macho energy come from? Not that she was complaining, she was simply surprised by it. Following him quietly down the street to finally buy their ice cream.

Ranma wolfed down spoonfuls of sugary delight, a bright smile on her face and a sing-song hum escaping her lips. Having ordered a strawberry parfait. The fresh cream, dairy ice cream, strawberry and sprinkles atop were amazing. Covering her face in her food but her tongue and stomach were happier than ever. Whenever she was feeling down or stressed, it seemed ice cream always solved her problems. Enjoying the food she loved always brought her such content, ignoring reality for a while and allowing herself to act self indulgent.

Ryoga ordered a chocolate parfait for himself, enjoying the sweet treat as the cooling taste eased his sweaty state. He also enjoyed delicious food but had far better self restraint than Ranma or Genma for that matter. However, due to Ranma's stricter training and hypocrite of a father, Ranma had to fight for every meal in case Genma stole it for himself. He would never admit it, but he was relieved to see Ranma smiling after their earlier encounter. It seemed the ice cream had perked her up immediately, forgetting her earlier confrontation with that old man.

He'd never considered it before, but due to her cursed form, Ranma tolerated harassment, sexism, unwanted attention and more all due to her feminine form. Sure Ranma may have occasionally abused it for self gain, but that wasn't always the case. No wonder she was so frustrated with her female form, it had brought her a lot of trouble and frustration. Genma may have bullied her saying her female form had caused her to become emotional, but truly these were years of restrained emotions that Ranma was able to vent more easily as a girl than before. "Say Ranma, you get creeps hounding you often right?" he asked hesitantly. His skin began to crawl at the mental image of what creeps had probably attempted on Ranma, gripping his fists as to control his anger. How much humiliation had Ranma been forced to endure in his female form simply to win a fight or make sure a scheme succeeded?

Ranma's arm froze mid mouthful, her blue eyes filling with sadness and lowered her spoon. A scowl appearing on her lips and bowing her head, frustration was evident. It seemed after being thrown into that spring, her troubles had only increased. Kuno hoping to make her his paramour and enact his pervy fantasies on her, Happosai now using her to get his lecherous kicks. That creepy ice skater Mikado whom had kissed her by force, stealing her first kiss without consent, before Shampoo figured out the curse she had hoped to kill her in order to defeat her enemy. All the trouble linked to her curse was endless, she'd lost count. "Not like I ain't used to it, I just get fed up with it is all. They never seem to understand I ain't interested or want to be left alone" she grumbled. She'd just learned to tolerate it as screwed up as that was, hoping to forget it all when she finally broke the curse for good.

Ryoga gave her a sympathetic look, he hated in society how many girls simply had to stay quiet or pretend harassment hadn't happened due to the repercussions involved. Nobody should be made to feel like their problems were a burden, especially if it frightened or scarred you. Hopefully he could help Ranma out with this problem as to lesson some of her already numerous baggage. Ryoga rummaged in his pack during his travels, he had gathered many trinkets and memories over the years. For all his direction was terrible, they had been interesting experiences.

He then pulled out a charm from a pocket, a small red and gold silken tag with a protection symbol decorated on the front. Ironically it matched her. It may have not appeared to be much, but the good it would do for her in the long term would be worth its value. He wasn't one to hand out such things so freely, but Ranma was in greater need of it than he was. He hoped it would teach Kuno and that creepy old man a lesson, a very painful one at that. She better not think too deeply into this though, this was simply a favour that he hoped Ranma would repay him for. She had experienced enough stress and he would look past her previous actions towards him just for today "Here, you need this more than me" he muttered.

Ranma blinked, reaching out curiously to take the charm from Ryoga. Ryoga had never been the mushy type of guy, sure he was socially awkward and sometimes dense, but he was no pushover. She had to admit upon closer inspection it was very pretty and it matched her hair, had he collected this during his trip to China back when he had been following her? "Cool, what is it?". She thought about hanging it around her neck or fastening it into her clothes for safe keeping, I mean accidents happened but Ryoga had given this to her despite his reservations.

"It's a protection charm, it'll keep you safe. It gives your attacker a severe shock if they try and hurt you. If they have malicious intent, the worse it hurts. If its someone you know, a friend or whatever, won't affect them" he explained. He wondered why he was blushing while saying this, they weren't dating or anything like that. He was just looking out for Ranma in order to alleviate his stress. Why did he feel like he had just asked out a girl and handed her his contact details. Kami, he needed to get a grip on himself, why was he so nervous all of a sudden? But the image of how disturbed and upset Ranma had been earlier just made him so angry, she never deserved to feel like that.

Ranma's eyes widened in awe, stroking her fingers across the charm. Realising the depth of the present, gripping it as though it was a lifeline. Ryoga had no reason to help her like this given how badly she had treated him in the past, yet he was going out of his way to keep her safe. She couldn't find the words to properly show her gratitude for this gesture. All of a sudden, she felt bashful and awkward, geez, was her curse really starting to affect her brain to cause her to truly become a woman? He was being so nice to her she didn't really know how to respond, first, he bought her ice cream and now he gifted her with this, she would really owe him big time for this "Thanks, Ryoga, you're a decent guy" she smiled. For all she mocked and taunted him, Ryoga did have a heart of gold aside from his perving over Akane so much. He really needed to find someone else to make him happy, there were plenty of girls who would happily date him. Maybe Ukyo? Hell, if he didn't mind the curse maybe they could... nah that was a dumb idea, she wasn't his type anyway.

Ryoga blushed, what was it with that smile that made his heart flutter so fast? Since when had Ranma been able to crawl into his mind and corrupt his devotion to Akane to make him fall for...both his forms? Maybe... he was developing feelings for Ranma? Kami, he must have sounded like an idiot. He quickly shook the thoughts from his head, averting his gaze to take another spoonful of the parfait.